Press release

Pakistan steal a set from France

Pakistan - a real demonstration of Pierre de Coubertin's principle

Sofia, Bulgaria, June 10, 2012 – Disappointing France defeated enthusiastic Pakistan in four sets 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-13) but the Asian team left the FIVB Olympic Qualification Tournament the happier after winning their first set in the debut performance in a top-level FIVB tournament.

Pakistan performed with smooth reception in the first set, Rasool Mohib and captain Ahmed Naseer made some amazing spikes which gave them the advantage.

Pierre Pujol, the French setter and captain, came in as an substitution and helped the team to tied up the set at 14-14. Even with Ngapeth Earvin and Tuia Samuele France didn’t succeed in winning this set because Pakistan distinguished at 25-21.

France returned in the match with better psychological status and experience in the second set. They took a five point advantage at 10-5 but Naseer pulled his team and even won the second technical timeout at 16-14.

Although the Asian men put a lot of effort, French players won the set with some effective blocks by Jose Trefle.

Pakistan tried to stay alive in the third, but France was constantly leading because of less made mistakes, excellent block and great spoikes by Ngapeth, Moreau Marien and Guillaume Samica who returned till the end. When the difference arrived at eight points at 22-14, it seemed it is all decided. Somehow the Asians got back but at the end they did not make it - 25-14 for rivals.

Last set was only to close the match and it was dictated by Philippe Blain's boys. Pakistan just managed to be a good sparring partner for the French triumph 25-13.Download highresolution